Editor's note: Trout were also euthanized previously. See N.J. Battles Trout Disease Prior to Stocking.

From the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife:

Despite the efforts by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife to control furunculosis at the Pequest Trout Hatchery, the last remaining raceway of brook trout reared for stocking this spring tested positive for the bacterium which causes the disease.  

These 90,000 brook trout were scheduled to be distributed throughout the state over the two remaining weeks of the modified 2014 Spring Trout Season.

Despite their recent treatment with antibiotics, the fish must now be euthanized as per the state's fish health policy.

Of the three species of trout affected by the disease, brook trout proved to be the most difficult to treat.  

The loss of these brook trout will result in the cancellation of the remaining scheduled stockings on 64 warmwater lakes and ponds.

It is important for anglers to note that additional trout were stocked earlier in the season (during the pre-season and in-season week 1) and all but six of these waters have received more trout in 2014 compared to 2013.  

Plenty of trout are still available for anglers to target in these waters. 

The Division will still be stocking 44,000 rainbow trout over this week and next. 

Anglers are strongly urged to visit the Division's website at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo_spring14.htm for the most up to date stocking information.

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